Ssang Yong, which means “Twin Dragons,” is biennial combined exercise conducted by Navy and Marine Corps forces with the ROK to strengthen interoperability and working relationships across the range of military operations from disaster relief to complex, expeditionary operations.

This year, U.S. Marines and Sailors are participating in exercise Ssang Yong 16 with the 7th ROK Marine Corps Regimental Landing Team 7 (ROKMC RLT-7), Australian Army and Royal New Zealand Army forces.

"Ssang Yong offers the U.S. and ROK the opportunity to test their ability to operate together as an integrated combined naval force." said Rear Adm. John Nowell, commander, ESG 7. "Its significance in assuring interoperability between the U.S. and ROK forces is inestimable."

During Ssang Yong, approximately 9,200 U.S. Marines and 3,100 U.S. Navy personnel will work alongside 4,500 ROK Marine Corps, 3,000 ROK Navy, 100 Australian Army and 60 Royal New Zealand Army forces.

“The sheer number of personnel involved is extremely impressive,” said Capt. Ed Thompson, commander, Amphibious Squadron 11. “There are a lot of moving parts and things that need to align for a successful exercise. When they do, it is truly amazing to see how we operate together.”

During Ssang Yong, U.S. and ROK combined forces will conduct beach landings, flight operations, and personnel exchange and cross platform exercises which ensure that various components of ROK and U.S. Naval and Marine forces are able to respond to contingencies on the peninsula and across the Asia-Pacific region.

“We look forward to an efficient and successful exercise with one of our closest and oldest allies in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region,” said Nowell.